A new program at Brigham and Women’s Hospital is lighting up the faces of patients and families alike. Called the Companion Program, it brings a volunteer visitor to the bedside of patients who need a personal touch during their hospital stay.
“There are so many patients who have no family or visitors, no one to talk to,” said Mary Allendorf-Burns, RN, a staff nurse who is participating in this innovative program, launched in June. “My heart just goes out to them. By having a companion, the patient feels more cared for on a personal, warm family level.”
Allendorf-Burns is the program’s first nurse preceptor. She is partnered with Heidi Brennecke, a pre-medical student from Beverly, Massachusetts, who is home for summer break from her studies at Washington University in St. Louis. Once or twice weekly, Brennecke visits with patients in Allendorf-Burns’ patient floor, 14B, where many patients are elderly.
Brennecke naturally possesses tools of the trade: a smile, a genuine interest in people and a willingness to share in their lives. “This program gives me the opportunity to visit with all types of patients, particularly older ones,” she said. “Many have special circumstances and no family in the area. Many are so vulnerable. I’m not trained as a physician yet, but this is a way for me to understand what hospital patients are going through.” She also volunteers at the other end of the age spectrum-- interacting with pediatric patients in BWH’s Radiation Therapy playroom.
In advance of the companion’s visit, Allendorf-Burns scopes out the other nurses in 14B to see which patients might benefit from a visitor. Initially, she made patient introductions for Brennecke, but after observing her in action now feels comfortable letting her approach patients unassisted.
“I try to get a feel for each situation,” said Brennecke. “I walk in, introduce myself as a volunteer and explain that I am there to say ‘hi.’ Some patients or family members just return my hello. Others really want to talk, sometimes for an hour. They all understand that I’m not there to provide medical help, but to be their friend.”
Patients often reminisce about their younger years, finding people and places in common with their newfound companion who’s happy to listen, hold their hand, read a book or accompany them to a clinical test.
Sometimes, it’s the family member who needs the support. Allendorf-Burns recalls a husband who sat dejectedly by his elderly wife’s bedside. “Heidi’s visit with him brought back so many pleasant memories. He became a new person, and the patient’s emotional state and appetite also improved. Their son stopped by to thank us.”
“People who volunteer are looking to make a difference in a person’s life,” said Nelda Quigley, director of Volunteer Services. Her department was approached by Terry Kahlert, MS, RN, director of Cardiovascular and Medical Nursing, who was exploring the companion idea with nurse administrators Catherine Breen, MS, RN, and Elvi Rigby, MS, RN.
Together, Nursing Administration and Volunteer Services drafted a job description for the volunteer companion, who ideally has good interpersonal skills and some acquaintance with the health care environment. They also identified the key qualities of the nurse preceptor-- caring about patients’ total well being and a willingness to mentor a volunteer. Overall, the program was designed to add a more personal dimension to an existing program, the Sitters Program, in which patients are observed for medical and safety reasons. By contrast, the Companion Program is volunteer-staffed and focuses on personal relationships. Rigby serves as the nursing coordinator and Barbara Stowe, of Volunteer Services, is the companion coordinator.
In the months ahead, the team hopes to expand the program by identifying other nurse preceptors and companions. They also will continue sharing BWH’s story. “At national meetings, we’ve been told we’re way ahead of other hospitals,” said Kahlert. “We can really be proud of our nurses and volunteer staff for responding to this patient need.”
If you would like more information about the Companion Program, please contact Terry Kahlert at ext. 5486.